The DVDO® EDGE™ $799 retail is an affordable high quality video processor and A/V hub that converts standard definition, high definition and PC signals from up to ten sources (including six HDMI 1.3 compatible devices) to any HDTV resolution up to 1080p. EDGE has a very intuitive user interface which makes installation a breeze. EDGE has two HDMI 1.3 outputs, one with audio and video and one with audio only to facilitate connections to an HDMI/DVI equipped display and HDMI AV Receiver. An optical audio output is available for older AV Receivers. A backlit universal remote control with a luxurious “soft-touch” finish is also included. Images are available at the bottom of this post.
The DVDO EDGE incorporates all of Anchor Bay’s acclaimed Video Reference Series, VRS™, technologies on the ABT2010 ASIC, including:Precision Deinterlacing™ – 480i/576i/1080i 10-bit Motion, Edge & Source Adaptive Deinterlacer
• Five-field motion adaptive deinterlacing
• Edge adaptive processing to produce smooth diagonal edges
• Three frame video processing delay (Max)
• Game Mode with very low latency (sub-1 frame delay)
• Arbitrary cadence detection (any:any) to detect non-standard cadences in input signals.
o Reliable 2:2 pull-down detection for 50Hz countries
o Detection of 2:2 ↔ 3:2 crossfades and out of phase 3:2 crossfades
o Detection of multiple source types within a frame
o Bad edit detection and compensation to minimize artifacts caused by sequence breaks in film content
PReP™ - Progressive ReProcessing of 480p, 576p and 1080p input signals allows poor deinterlacing of any source to be undone and done correctly using Precision Deinterlacing™.
Mosquito Noise Reduction - Reduces random noise which appears along the edges of compressed images in SD and HD content
Fine Detail Enhancement – Extracts fine detail in low resolution or compressed SD or HD content
Edge Enhancement – Sharpens edges without adding ringing
Precision Video Scaling II™ - 10-bit Scaling up to 1080p
Progressive Cadence Detection™ of 480p, 576p, 720p and 1080p input signals – Allows source-locked framerate output of film-based content (24/25Hz)
Rightrate™ – High-Performance Framerate Conversion which enables 1080p-24Hz output of film-based content.
Precision A/V Lipsync™ - Intelligent digital audio delay technology to match Audio and Video timing
AutoCUE-C™ – Automatic Chroma Upsampling Error detection and correction
FeaturesSleek New Product Design with luxurious “soft-touch” finish (Image available at the bottom of this post)
Intuitive Display/Source Setup Wizards make installation a breeze
User Definable Names for all inputs using keyboard entry
On Screen ‘Hints’ available for all controls
Dedicated HDMI Audio Only Output for connections to AV Receivers and Processors
Backlit Learning Universal Remote Control with luxurious “soft-touch” finish and Discrete Input selection. (Image available at the bottom of this post)
Rear Panel IR Input (mini-jack) for use with existing automation systems.
6 HDMI 1.3 Inputs which process 480i/p, 576i/p, 720p-50/60, 1080i-50/60, 1080p-24/25/50/60, and VGA-SXGA@60Hz signals. One of the inputs is hidden on the “front panel”. All HDMI inputs/outputs have increased spacing between connectors for cables with large overmolding.
Internal Universal Power SupplyInput Aspect Ratio Controls
•Presets: 4:3 full frame, 4:3 letterbox, 16:9 full frame, Panorama (non linear stretch)
•Flexible Horizontal and Vertical Zooming & Panning controls
•Overscan Adjustment per input with separate memories for SD and HD
Output Aspect Ratio Controls
•Presets: 4:3, 16:9
•Underscan Adjustment to eliminate Overscan inherent in a display
•Advanced time base correction (TBC) with frame synchronization
•High performance, multi-standard video decoder, 10-bit high dynamic range, deep color processing and 3D noise reduction (DNR)
•NTSC/PAL 3D comb filter
•Flexible Digital and Analog Audio switching and routing – 6 HDMI audio/video inputs, 5 assignable audio inputs (3 optical/1 coaxial/1 analog) with 1 HDMI audio/video output, 1 HDMI ‘Audio Only’ output, and 1 optical audio output.
•Preset output resolutions:
480p-60 (720x480@60Hz)
720p-60 (1280x720@60Hz)
1080i-60 (1920x1080@60Hz)
1080p-60 (1920x1080@60Hz)
576p-50 (720x576@50Hz)
720p-50 (1280x720@50Hz)
1080i-50 (1920x1080@50Hz)
1080p-50 (1920x1080@50Hz)
1080p-24 (1920x1080@24Hz)
VGA (640x480@60Hz)
Technical SpecificationsTen Video Inputs
• One Composite (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)
• One S-Video (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)
• One Component (YPbPr or RGB/S) processes 480i/p-60, 576i/p-50, 720p-50/60, 1080i-50/60, 1080p-60
• One Component/RGBHV (YPbPr/RGBS/RGBHV) processes 480i/p-60, 576i/p-50, 720p-50/60, 1080i-50/60, 1080p-60, VGA/SVGA/XGA/SXGA@60Hz
• Six HDMI 1.3 processes 480i/p, 576 i/p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p- 24/25/50/60, VGA/SVGA/XGA/SXGA@60Hz
Eleven Audio Inputs
• Six HDMI (HDMI v1.3)
• One Coaxial Digital (assignable)
• Three Optical Digital (assignable)
• One Analog Left/Right (assignable)
One HDMI Audio/Video Output (For Display Connection)
• Backwards compatible with DVI displays
• Configurable for YCbCr or RGB
• Also carries audio (HDMI v1.3)
Two Digital Audio Outputs
• One HDMI 1.3 ‘Audio Only’ output for receivers with HDMI
• One Optical Digital for receivers without HDMI
Controls
• Backlit Universal IR remote control with direct input access codes and rear panel IR connector for RF-to-IR remote controls(mini-jack)
• Functions accessible via On Screen Display (OSD)
• USB port for service updates (not intended for new features)
• Fully programmable controls for each separate video input with non-volatile memories:
- Automatic input source detection & input priority selection
- Picture controls with memory for each input: Fine Detail, Edge Enhancement, Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Hue
• Output Controls: Format/Resolution
Physical Dimensions (height x width x depth)
• 2.2” x 17” x 10.4” (26.3cm x 43.4cm x 5.5cm)
MSRP: $799FAQsQ: What new features does EDGE have that have never appeared in a DVDO product?
A: • New Intuitive User Interface
• Setup Wizards
• Front Panel HDMI Input
• Sleek New Product Design
• Improved Spacing between All HDMI Connections
• Rear Panel IR Connection
• Internal Power Supply
• Backlit Universal Remote Control
Q: What VRS™, Video Reference Series, technologies are incorporated into the DVDO EDGE?
A: EDGE incorporates Anchor Bay's Mosquito Noise Reduction, Fine Detail Enhancement, Edge Enhancement, Precision Deinterlacing™, Precision Video Scaling II™, PReP™ (Progressive ReProcessing), Progressive Cadence Detection™, RightRate™ framerate conversion, AutoCUE-C™, and Precision AV LipSync™
Mosquito Noise ReductionVideo compression is a commonly used technique to squeeze more video content onto a disc, or beam down more channels via satellite, or transmit more channels over a cable. By using video compression content providers can achieve better economies of scale and offer the consumer more video content - e.g. more channels, bonus materials, etc. The problem with nearly all video compression methods is that too much of it causes compression artifacts. These artifacts are often seen by the viewer as ugly ringing around text letters or noise - often called mosquito noise.
To counter this Anchor Bay has developed a proprietary method of selectively removing mosquito noise. Unlike some methods of noise reduction that often makes the image worse by removing too much detail or causing blurring during motion, Anchor Bay's Mosquito Noise Reduction is designed to isolate the most objectionable of artifacts without removing detail or causing motion blur. To do this Anchor Bay had to devise a proprietary method of both isolating and predicting areas in the image where this noise is likely to occur. The end result is a highly effective noise reduction method that is impervious to motion, yet, largely maintains the integrity of the detail in the image through our conservative approach in removing video compression artifacts.
Images available here:
http://www.anchorbaytech.com/support...0pro.php#faq10 Fine Detail & Edge EnhancementSharpness controls are not new in the world of video - nearly every TV sold in the last 20 years features a sharpness control. However, sharpening controls merely accentuate medium detail at the expense of fine detail and often add horrible "halos" around the edges and lines. While this trick was a reasonable approach for standard definition TV, when screen sizes were well under 30 inches, today's large screen TVs and HDTVs have made traditional sharpness controls highly undesirable since the damage they cause is now magnified with such larger screens. In addition, traditional sharpening controls tend to exaggerate any noise in the image by making it more pronounced so noise becomes even more pronounced when viewed on a large screen HDTV.
Anchor Bay has designed Fine Detail & Edge Enhancement with large screen HDTVs in mind. Using patent pending technology, Fine Detail & Edge Enhancement is able to isolate areas of the image where hard edges are prevalent and increase fine details without adding halos or ringing. The net effect is quite extraordinary - images have more "pop" and fine detail such as blades of grass or even the pores on an actor's face are drawn out making your large screen HDTV even more enjoyable. Moreover, Mosquito Noise Reduction can be used to remove objectionable ringing and noise in the image before using Fine Detail & Edge Enhancement to draw out the fine details in the image.
Images available here:
http://www.anchorbaytech.com/support...0pro.php#faq10Precision Deinterlacing™Anchor Bay's 10-bit Precision Deinterlacing of standard and high definition delivers the image quality demanded by today's large-screen, high-resolution displays. It eliminates many of the artifacts found in common deinterlacers to produce a smooth image, free of artifacts such as jagged edges and combing. Precision Deinterlacing features five-field motion-adaptive deinterlacing and edge-adaptive processing for video sources, along with advanced cadence detection for film and animation sources. All processing is performed at full 10-bit resolution to preserve all the detail and subtle nuances in the video source. Edge-adaptive processing uses an adaptive, continuous-angle detection algorithm to accurately identify and smooth image edges.
Unique, "any-cadence" processing automatically locks to the wide variety of film and animation cadences found in current video sources, including non-standard cadences, and will track right through many types of "bad edits" and cadence changes. Precision Deinterlacing also features “Game Mode” with low-latency processing for maximum “playability”.
Precision Video Scaling™Anchor Bay's 10-bit Precision Video Scaling technology is based on Anchor Bay's proprietary video scaling engine that can independently scale an image horizontally and vertically to achieve an outstanding picture quality for today's high resolution video displays. The scaling engine is completely flexible, accepting standard definition (480p, 576p) and high definition (720p, 1080i and 1080p) inputs and outputting the most popular resolutions from VGA (640x480) to 1080p (1920x1080). Since the scaling engine is completely flexible, other image manipulation features are also supported including zoom and pan.
PReP™, Progressive ReProcessing
Anchor Bay's Progressive ReProcessing (PReP™) is the video processing industry's first processing method that significantly improves progressive video signals and removes artifacts caused by inferior interlaced-to-progressive conversion.
Video signals that originate in an interlaced format are often degraded by artifacts incurred when the signal is converted from interlaced to progressive formats by general purpose chips in DVD players, AV receivers, and set-top boxes. Until now, there has been no way to improve these signals to optimize images on high-resolution displays. Poor interlaced-to-progressive conversion is especially problematic with large-screen HDTVs, as upscaling to higher resolutions often amplifies artifacts created in the conversion process, making them more noticeable.
As a solution to this problem, Anchor Bay introduces PReP, an advanced video processing technology that reverts the progressive video signal output from source equipment to its original interlaced format. PReP then converts the interlaced signal to progressive format, this time applying the source, edge, and motion adaptive algorithms in its Precision Deinterlacing™ technology to eliminate jaggies, combing, and other degrading effects. PReP technology allows 480p, 576p, 1080p/50, 1080p/60, and other formats to be processed by this method.
Progressive Cadence Detection™
Film-based content, which originated at 24 frames per second, is broadcast at 50 or 60Hz. Anchor Bay's Progressive Cadence Detection can lock on to the original 3:2 cadence in the broadcast, reacquiring the original 24 frames per second. This signal can then be output at a source-locked 24Hz eliminating the judder that existed in the original broadcast signal. Progressive Cadence Detection can be used with 480p, 576p, 720p and 1080p input signals.
RightRate™
Anchor Bay's RightRate technology converts the input frame rate to the optimal display frame rate without causing 'tearing' in the output frame. Anchor Bay's high performance frame rate conversion also supports converting film sources from 24 frames per second to 60 frames per second for NTSC format and from 25 frames per second to 50 frames per second for PAL/SECAM format.
AutoCUE-C™
Anchor Bay's AutoCUE-C technology automatically detects and removes chroma artifacts that are caused by incorrect upsampling of the chroma (color) signals by MPEG decoders in DVD players and satellite receivers. These artifacts are especially noticeable as horizontal streaks in images with highly saturated colors. When the artifacts are removed, the resulting picture quality is significantly improved, providing a much clearer and true-to-life image.
Precision AV Lipsync™
Anchor Bay's Precision AV LipSync technology is designed to automatically delay the audio signal to match the video processing delay in other Anchor Bay products. As a result, the AV Lipsync problem that is caused by video processing delay is eliminated. If required, the audio delay can also be further adjusted (up to 200 milliseconds) to correct any AV Lipsync problem that may be already be present in the AV source.
Q: What is 'Game Mode'?
A: This mode can reduce the amount of video delay to less than a single frame. In many competitive processors the effects of applying complex algorithms to the video image results in upwards of a seven frame delay. This can inhibit the real-time performance for gamers who want instantaneous response to react to stimuli and to realize peak performance from their application. The VRS Precision Deinterlacing™ Game Mode will reduce frame delay down to slightly less than one frame of video.
Q: What signals can the EDGE output?
A: EDGE has one HDMI 1.3 output that outputs both audio and video. The second HDMI output only carries audio, with blank 720p video, which is intended to carry audio to a connected Audio/Video Receiver. If your source has a DVI output (and no HDMI output), a DVI-to-HDMI adapter or cable will be needed to connect this source to the EDGE. The same is true, if your display does not have an HDMI input, but does have a DVI input. DVI does not carry audio, so for DVI sources/displays an alternative method of connecting audio must be used.
EDGE can automatically determine and output the ‘preferred’ format of the display by reading the EDID of the connected display. Some displays do not report the correct information in which case, the user can select one of the available output formats including VGA, 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p and 1080p-24.
Q: Tell me more about the HDMI connections on EDGE
A: There are six HDMI inputs on EDGE (five on the back panel and one on the front). The HDMI inputs on EDGE can process 480i/p-60, 576i/p-50, 720p-50/60, 1080i-50/60, 1080p-24/25/50/60 and VGA/SVGA/XGA/SXGA@60Hz. The HDMI input and output connectors on the EDGE are backwards compatible with DVI-D inputs and outputs when used with an HDMI-to-DVI adapter or cable. Please note that DVI is a video-only connection that does not carry audio so an alternative method of connecting audio must be used.
Note that if you have an HDCP source and a non-HDCP display, you will probably not get a picture, whether or not you use EDGE.
Q: What kind of aspect ratio control does the EDGE offer?
A: EDGE offers full control over the input aspect ratio. There are 4 predefined input aspect ratio settings:
4:3 Full Frame: to watch 4:3 content while preserving the aspect ratio
4:3 Letterbox: to watch 4:3 Letterbox, non-anamorphic, content full screen with no geometric distortion on a 16:9 display.
4:3 Non-Linear Stretch (Panorama): to watch 4:3 content stretched to fill a 16:9 display. In this mode, the image is distorted such that most of the stretching occurs at the side of the image, not the center.
16:9 Full Frame: to watch 16:9 anamorphic content while preserving the aspect ratio. This mode can also be used to watch 4:3 content on a 16:9 screen, although the image will be stretched horizontally
You may also use the zoom and pan controls to customize the input aspect ratio to your tastes. This allows the user to reformat the image in any way desired, so the EDGE doesn't enforce a set of fixed aspect ratios.
If you would like to zoom in on the image to remove the small black letterbox bars found with a 1.85:1 source on a 16:9 display, then you can simply do this with the direct access ‘Zoom -/+’ controls on the remote control or via the graphical user interface, GUI.
Q: What audio formats can the EDGE support?
A: EDGE has three audio outputs: the HDMI audio/video output, the dedicated HDMI 1.3 audio only output and the optical digital output. If a source connected using HDMI is outputting high bit-rate audio, Dolby TrueHD or DTS Master Audio or SACD, and EDGE is connected to an AV Receiver or Processor that supports these formats they will be passed through with the proper amount of delay to be in sync with the processed video. If the optical output is used with a source that supports high bit-rate audio, EDGE will communicate with the source to output an audio format that the optical connection is capable of carrying, stereo PCM or Dolby Digital/DTS. Audio that is input via the analog inputs can be output over HDMI or optical.
There are some HDMI sources that do not output the correct audio signal when connected to an HDMI repeater, like an AV receiver or video processor. In these instances, we recommend that use an alternative method of sending audio, like the optical or coaxial digital audio outputs.
The audio section of EDGE supports S/PDIF and PCM formatted audio with sample rates ranging from 24kHz to 192kHz. It will likely handle sample rates beyond this range, but is only guaranteed to support sample rates within this range. The EDGE will pass digital audio having any bit-depth resolution up to 24 bits, at all supported sample rates.
EDGE will also pass compressed digital audio (e.g. Dolby Digital or DTS) provided the audio bitstream has been properly formatted for S/PDIF (IEC60958 or EIAJ-CP1201 standard) transmission by the digital audio source (according to international standard IEC61937). The EDGE does not alter the sample rate, format, or content of the digital audio whatsoever; it merely inserts a programmable delay into the transmission path.
Users should take care to use proper digital audio cables in order to guarantee valid audio reception and re-transmission. Both coax and optical cables should have high-quality, positive mating connectors at both ends. Coax cables should have a 75-ohm characteristic impedance. The use of couplers or other types of adapters to extend the digital audio cabling is not recommended.
Q: Tell me more about the lipsync correction on EDGE
A: EDGE has 4 discrete digital audio inputs (3 optical and 1 coaxial) and 1 analog audio input (L/R) each of which can be assigned to any of the video inputs. The HDMI 1.3 inputs can also accept audio, if the video signal is on the same input. EDGE is also compatible with high bit-rate audio, like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master Audio. If the incoming HDMI signal has HDCP, then EDGE can not output this audio using the optical or coaxial digital outputs, only the HDMI output. When you switch to a particular video input, then the audio input which has been user-assigned to that video input will also be selected. For example, when you switch to Video, then the audio input which has been user-assigned to Video will also be selected.
The digital audio outputs provide a delay which matches the video processing delay of EDGE. Note that this delay will vary depending on the current configuration and processing mode of EDGE. 50 Hz sources will require a different amount of delay than 60 Hz sources, and frame rate conversion requires more delay than no frame rate conversion.
The correct audio delay for all inputs is set automatically, so you need to do nothing extra to match audio and video delays. In addition, there is a user-adjustable delay which can be added or subtracted on top of the automatically set delay for problem sources.
Anchor Bay's digital audio technology is called "Precision AV Lipsync™".
Q: Does EDGE have an On Screen Display (OSD)?
A: Yes, there is a very intuitive OSD that allows you to control all of the major parameters: output resolution, aspect ratio, picture controls, and audio delay. There are hints available with all controls to assist inexperienced users.
Q: How does EDGE detect incoming signals?
A: EDGE has been designed to detect which of the ten possible input devices is turned on and is generating an active signal, and then to automatically switch to that input. With this capability, you can switch inputs simply by turning one input device on or by turning another device off.
EDGE also includes an "Input Priority" option which specifies which of the inputs to use when they are multiple active inputs.
Q: What kind of power supply does EDGE have?
A: The EDGE comes with a universal internal power supply, which accepts 100-240 VAC at 50/60Hz.
Q: Will the EDGE improve the picture quality of standard definition channels from my satellite system (DSS)?
A: Picture improvement of heavily compressed standard, and even high, definition satellite channels is often very subjective, and depends to a great deal on exactly which aspects of the image are objectionable. The EDGE does incorporate three new technologies that do specifically address this issue: Mosquito Noise Reduction, Fine Detail Enhancement and Edge Enhancement.
One artifact of compression is mosquito noise. This kind of compression noise is apparent along the edges of compressed images, especially text. Anchor Bay's Mosquito Noise Reduction can significantly reduce this noise providing an appreciably better picture. Additionally, Anchor Bay's Fine Detail Enhancement can extract fine details in the image that were masked by this compression. Finally, Anchor Bay's Edge Enhancement can improve the perceived sharpness of the image without adding additional ringing.
Q: What does the color of the power LED on EDGE mean?
A: EDGE power LED color table:
LED Description
No LED = Standby Mode
Red/Solid = No Signal Received
Green/Solid = Unknown/Unsupported Signal Received
Blue/Solid = The EDGE is processing the input
Specifications and features subject to change without notice. DVDO and DVDO EDGE are trademarks of Anchor Bay Technologies.
